All employees have basic rights in the workplace - including the right to privacy, fair compensation, and freedom from discrimination. Know your rights, click on the links below to learn more information and look through our FAQ section for common questions and issues members deal with.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Union?

A union is an organization formed by workers who join together and use their strength to have a voice in their workplace. Through their union, workers have the ability to negotiate from a positions of strength with employers over wages, benefits, workplace health and safety, job training and other work-related issues. Unions also serve an important role making sure that management acts fairly and treats its workers with respect.

What is our union doing?

MEF is operated and organized by its members. Any member in good standing is welcomed to attend steward council meetings and become more engaged and/or apply to be a steward. The MEF steward council meets monthly to address employee concerns and strategize future negotiations with city management. Our union has several forms of communicating and addressing important and immediate issues. The Labor Management Committee is one of several groups that meets regularly with city management.

Does having a union mean there will be strikes?

No. A strike is just one tactic available to workers to pressure their employer, and is a tactic of last resort. The decision to strike is made locally by you and your fellow workers.

It is rare when AFSCME members have found it necessary to strike to achieve dignity on the job. Members always make the decision of whether or not they should strike. In most cases, a strong, well-organized local will not have to strike.

What is collective bargaining? How does it work?

Collective bargaining is the process of negotiation between employees and theri employer over wages, working conditions, benefits, and other aspects of workers’ compensation and rights.

A committee of union members — chosen by members — sits down and hammers out an agreement known as a “union contract” on every issue of concern to our bargaining unit. The committee sits at the bargaining table as equals with management meeting with representatives of the appropriate public agency to discuss issues affecting our daily lives. The union bargaining committee represents the united strength of all union members.

The majority of members must approve the agreement before it can become accepted as a contract.

Why do i need a union?

Politicians and pundits like to blame public service workers for America’s problems. They slash our budgets and take our pensions. They give our jobs away to private contractors who pay lower wages. Public service workers are the backbone of the American middle class. Together, we fight for prosperity and opportunity for all working families.

We have to act in solidarity to stop the attacks on our workers rights and our ability to earn a decent living. That’s why helping more workers join unions and bargain for a better life is so important.

As a union, we work together to build political support for the vital services we provide. We make our families, our communities, and our country stronger.

Who can i talk to about issues im experiencing at my work site?

Union stewards are available to provide guidance and escalate grievances, if necessary. Contact a steward for assistance if you need help finding resources or resolutions.

What rights do i have if i am dealing with discipline issue?

Being proactive is important. All employees are entitled to request for a union steward to be present in meetings that are believed to lead to discipline. Learn about your Weingarten Rights and reach out to your department stewards ahead of time to understand what other steps to take.